Catholic Health Association Focuses on Dignity and Compassionate Care at Annual Meeting

Khammam, September 15, 2026: Strengthening collaboration in healthcare ministry and ensuring dignity and compassionate care for elderly, palliative-care patients and vulnerable communities were the key concerns at the 38th Annual General Body Meeting (AGBM) of the Catholic Health Association of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (CHAAP & TS), held in Khammam on September 11.

Held under the theme, “Dignity in Care: Shaping the Future of Elderly, Palliative and Vulnerable Healthcare,” the meeting brought together around 60 participants, resource persons and invited guests for discussions on networking, geriatric and palliative care, human trafficking, organisational development and future priorities.

The gathering began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Prakash Sagili, Chairperson of the TCBC Health Commission and Ecclesiastical Adviser of CHAAP & TS. Fr Santhosh Dias, National Executive Secretary of the CBCI Commission for Health, Fr Issac, Procurator of the Diocese and Administrator of the Bishop’s House, and other priests concelebrated.

Sr. Helen Mary, Director General of the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI), Sr. Vijaya M. Udumala, President of CHAAP & TS, members of the Governing Board and around 40 religious sisters participated in the celebration.

Addressing the inaugural session, Bishop Prakash Sagili invoked God’s blessings on the gathering and encouraged participants to remain committed to the healthcare mission of the Church. Sr. Helen Mary delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the AGBM theme, while Fr Santhosh Dias welcomed the participants.

In her presidential address, Sr. Vijaya M. Udumala called for stronger networking with CHAI and greater collaboration among religious congregations involved in healthcare ministry. She stressed the collective responsibility to protect and restore the dignity of every person, particularly those living on the margins.

Referring to Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”), she highlighted the inherent dignity and worth of every human person as a guiding principle for healthcare ministry.

The first thematic session, led by Fr Santhosh Dias, focused on strengthening cooperation between CHAI and its member institutions. He called for a reciprocal approach to networking, encouraging institutions to share resources, information, expertise and support for the common good.

He also highlighted difficulties faced by institutions while updating their profiles on the CommCare App and urged religious sisters and institutional leaders to maintain essential records and reports accurately and systematically. Reliable and regularly updated documentation, he said, was crucial for planning, reporting, coordination and informed decision-making.

The second session examined practical approaches to geriatric and palliative care. Four religious sisters—two from CMSI and two from DSS—shared experiences from their respective institutions, presenting models of care for elderly persons and patients requiring palliative support.

The third session focused on human trafficking and the protection of vulnerable persons. A regional team of religious sisters and lay professionals from the Asian Movement of Women Religious Against Human Trafficking (AMRAT) led the session, raising awareness about the dignity, safety and protection of people affected by trafficking.

The business session reviewed the association’s activities and future priorities. Sr Juli, Secretary of CHAAP & TS, presented the minutes of the previous AGBM, which were approved by the members. Sr Saritha, Director, presented the annual report, outlining the association’s programmes, achievements and developments.

Sr Vyakula, Treasurer, presented the audited financial report, which was discussed by the members. Mr Raja Shaik, Regional Programme Officer, presented “The Way Forward,” outlining proposed initiatives and priorities for the coming period. Participants offered suggestions and sought clarifications during the discussion.

The meeting reaffirmed CHAAP & TS’s commitment to collaborative healthcare ministry and to placing human dignity at the centre of its service to vulnerable communities. Participants were encouraged to strengthen institutional cooperation and develop more responsive forms of care for elderly people, palliative-care patients and others facing vulnerability.

The AGBM concluded with a prayer and the singing of the CHAI Anthem, renewing the commitment of CHAAP & TS and its member institutions to work together with CHAI in responding to emerging healthcare needs with dignity, compassion and professionalism.

By Catholic Connect Reporter